On Geese and Friends

9/17/12
When you see geese heading south for the winter flying in a "V" formation, you might be interested in knowing what scientists have discovered about why they fly that way. It has been learned that:
…as each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird immediately following. By flying in a "V" formation, the whole flock adds at least 71% more flying range than if each bird flew on its own.
Basic Truth #1: People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier because they are traveling on the thrust of one another.
…whenever a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go it alone and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front.
Basic Truth #2: There is strength and power and safety in numbers when traveling in the same direction as others with whom we share a common goal.
…when the lead goose gets tired, he/she rotates back in the wing and another goose flies point.
Basic Truth #3: It pays to take turns doing hard jobs.
…the geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.
Basic Truth #4: We all need to be remembered with active support and praise.
…finally, when a goose gets sick or is wounded and falls out, two geese fall out of formation and follow him/her down to help and protect. They stay with the downed goose until the crisis resolves, and then they launch out on their own or with another formation to catch up with their group.
Basic Truth #5: We must stand by each other in times of need.
We are fortunate that there are more geese in life than turkeys. Let's remember to uphold each other in friendship and in work each day and to give each other a big "HONK" now and then!
Sincerely,
Chris & Dan Buendo,
Co-Publishers
P. S. Thanks for flying with us.